A/N Big thanks for your thoughts on the last chapter and to those of of you still following this!

TWENTY SIX

'This'

'Oh that's so cute' Lucas grins as he inspects the stuffed rhino toy. 'She's gonna love it. Oooo maybe he can take over kitty cat's high ranking'

Peyton gives him a pointed look then. 'You're kidding yourself if you think any new toy is ever gonna rank higher than kitty cat' She positions a fresh sheet of paper before her on the bed and he plants the rhino on it.

'Yeah' He sighs. 'It's so gross though'

She smiles. 'I love it. It's got character' She hums as she goes about wrapping the new friend for their daughter.

'Of course you love the mangled creature'

'Not everything stays shiny and new forever darling. Tape'

He tears off a bit of tape and issues her with it. 'My problem with it is that it's a struggle getting the thing away from her for enough time to wash it. Not what it looks like'

'A little dirt never hurt anyone' She holds her finger out to him and he fixes another piece of tape to her finger.

'Are you a dirty girl Peyton Scott?'

She looks at him through narrowed eyes. He laughs.

'Actually am by your standards. I bet I wash half as much as you do' She folds the last section and nods to the piece of paper she's holding down. He wordlessly seals the remaining flap with a third bit of tape. 'Green or red?' She ponders ribbons.

'You're for real asking me?'

'Did I not just ask?'

'Yeah but you're gonna do the opposite of whatever I say'

'Not necessarily'

'Fine green' She holds the green over the paper and ponders. He laughs because he knows she's trying to conform to his decision but now wants the red ribbon as predicted. 'Here you go' He reissues her with the abandoned red.

'It's not cause you said green I just think maybe the red looks...'

'Right?' He supplies.

'Uhuh. Definitely better' He rolls his eyes. 'What?! It does doesn't it'

'I think you were an elf in a past life' He declares.

'I'm not as freaking anal as you are'

'A little over wrapping. Don't you think I know that you always retie the ribbons that I've tied?'

'I don't!'

'Liar'

She presses lips together. '...only sometimes' She relents.

He laughs. 'You could just tell me you want to do it'

'I like you helping' She finishes her ribbon and fiddles with the loops until she's happy with how it's sitting.

'So I can tell you how pretty it looks?' She pouts at him. 'It does look pretty' He concedes. 'Perfect bow Miss Elf'

She smiles proudly. 'Yup. You could actually wrap instead of sitting there handing me tape. Then it might actually get done in half the time'

'But I like watching you do it' He chimes.

'Yeah, yeah. You like playing with all the toys before they get wrapped don't you mean'

'I mean that too. It's kinda sexy watching you wrap though'

She pauses what she's doing to look at him through narrowed eyes. Shakes her head. 'You're unbelievable!'

'It is!' He argues. 'You're so cute concentrating'

'Yeah, yeah. Oh so sexy'

'Uhuh. You know what would be fun is if you wore some ribbon. Just some ribbon'

Her brow arches. 'You wanna tie me up?'

'Not what I meant but mm that's a good idea too' He grins.

'Focus dude'

'I want you' He whines.

'Lucas' She whacks him with a tube of wrapping paper as he leans closer. 'Behave'

'Oh come on. Just take your top off and let me practice my ribbon tying skills'

Both their eyes skitter to the bedroom door simultaneously as they hear the floorboard creak on the other side. It's swiftly followed by Roewyn's not so subtle whispering.

'I can hear you you goofballs' Peyton drawls as she shifts the pillows behind her onto the unwrapped items as a precaution. As anticipated the door springs open a moment later.

'How did you hear us Mummy?!' Roewyn chants.

'Cause I've got sneaky powers Roewyn Scott'

'Because you're oh so loud' Sawyer corrects with a roll of her eyes as she walks further into the room, eyes scouring the bed.

'Uh uh. Back up the pair of you' Peyton hums.

'What did I tell you both?' Lucas drones.

'To stay downstairs' Roewyn recites.

'Uhuh. So what're you doing up here?'

'What're you doing?' Sawyer retorts.

'Sawyer says you're wrapping presents!' Roewyn announces. 'Can I help?'

'Nope' Peyton grabs her weapon of paper again and lightly hits her youngest daughter on the head this time.

'Mummy!'

'Back up. God you're like two little leeches. Can't I have 5 minutes by myself?'

'Daddy says you're a leech' Roewyn declares then.

'He doesn't even live with us stupid. How can she be a leech?'

'Hey. Don't call your sister stupid' Lucas hums.

'I'm not stupid! He does call her that. Don't you Daddy?'

'She has been known to be one'

'See!' Roewyn chants, her triumphant expression turning into that of curiosity. 'What is a leech?'

'It's a blood sucking monster that kills you' Sawyer dramatically claims.

Roewyn's eyes round as she regards her mother suspiciously.

Peyton can't help but laugh. 'I'm not a blood sucking monster Roe' She reassures her. 'Your sister is being a wind up. Pack it in you'

'They are blood suckers!'

'Yes but not monsters that kill you' Lucas squints at his eldest daughter. 'Stop trying to scare her. They're like this big Roe and kinda like a slug' Lucas demonstrates with his fingers. 'And they like blood but they're not gonna kill you. If anything they just make you itchy'

'Like a mosquito?'

'Sort of'

'They could kill you if they sucked alllll your blood-'

'Sawyer' Peyton interrupts.

'What they could!'

'It'd take a lot a lot of leeches to be able to cause you harm Roe.' Peyton bats her hand.

'Does Mummy suck your blood like a vampire?' Roewyn's suspicious gaze is back on Lucas as she seeks answers.

He glances at Peyton. Notes that perhaps his eldest daughter takes after him in some respect because he's inclined to answer yes but the look his wife gives him tells him now is not the time for his antics. 'No Roe. Of course not. I just meant she likes a hug and doesn't let go like a leech. You know like when she hugs you and doesn't let go?'

'She does do that a lot a lot' Roewyn agrees.

'Yeah, yeah my hugs are oh so terrible' Peyton murmurs. 'You all need to scram. I'm gonna be up here for ten more minutes and then we'll watch a film. Deal?'

'Can we get pizza?' Sawyer begins to bargain.

'No pizza. I've already prepped dinner. But I might have got some doughnuts for you both for after. So scram or I'll eat them' Peyton declares. Roewyn is quick to scarper with that threat. Sawyer rolls her eyes but backs out of the room, giving them both one more glance before shutting the door behind her.

'I think her eyes might fall out of her head soon' Lucas murmurs as they're left alone.

Peyton laughs because their daughter's current attitude and eye rolling is both equally entertaining and hard work. 'You know when I said scram I was talking to you too?'

'Me?!'

'Yes! You were meant to be keeping them occupied whilst I wrapped a few presents that was the deal-'

'I wanted to help'

'You keeping them down there woulda been more help than the assistance you've given me so far'

'Oh?' He pushes her back on the bed then.

'Lucas!' She hisses his name as quietly as she can. 'Stop you're gonna ruin the wrapping paper!' He smiles and tosses the tubes of paper to the floor as he swings his leg over her and straddles her waist to keep her in place. She frowns up at him. 'Stop' He presses his lips together and looks at her mischievously. 'Not funny. They could come back in here any second. Let me up'

'Stay my little blood sucking monster. I need to practice my wrapping' He's located a particularly wide red ribbon and is toying with it. She cranes herself up in an attempt to escape giving him the opportunity to slide said ribbon behind her back before pushing her back.

'I'm not a rag doll. And not a blood sucking monster'

'That's debatable'

'You need to stop calling me a leech'

'Says the girl that just called her children such'

'Different'

'How so? I love it when you're being a leech'

He's crossed the ends of the ribbon now and pulls it tight around her chest. She gasps. He smirks.

'Jesus Luke' She arches. Gazes up at him as his eyes follow his fingers in creating a bow.

'See my bows are perfectly adequate. In fact I'd say that's the best bow ever tied. Correction. Would be if there wasn't this unnecessary layer of wrap beneath' He says of her shirt.

He hunches over her and nuzzles his nose against hers. Grazes his lips over hers.

'Mummy! Daddy!' Their youngest daughter's sing song voice has him catapulting back just as the door flies open again. Her eyes catch Peyton releasing the ribbon around her as she frantically sits upright.

'Mummy was just teaching me how to tie a bow' Lucas declares flippantly.

'I wanna go' Roewyn runs over to the bed then.

'Roe you're not meant to be-'

'Lay Mummy'

Peyton sighs as the seven year old not so gently pushes her back and within all of a second is on top of her. 'God Roe, you don't have to be so rough!'

Lucas presses his lips together in amusement as his daughter straddles her much in the way he'd just been and goes about pulling the ends of the wide ribbon back around her mother's chest.

'Like this?'

'Uhuh' Lucas encourages her. 'Just like you tie your shoe laces' He situates himself behind their daughter. Peyton grunts dramatically. 'Barely touching you'

'You're both suffocating me more like'

'Shush Mummy. Like this Daddy?'

'Daddy isn't the queen of bows Roe. That's Mummy' Peyton answers as she tries to assess the current bow in the making. Lucas laughs because she's going a little cross eyed.

'Ignore Mummy. Daddy is the king of bows. That's good. It's a lil tricky cause the ribbon is so big huh?' He provides his finger as a helping hand. 'That's right then pull the loop through there and tug'

Peyton grunts again as the bow is tugged into formation, earning her a giggle from Roewyn. 'There Mummy. You're all wrapped up now and ready to be posted'

'Posted?'

'Uhuh. You're a special gift'

'Who for?'

'Daddy'

'Daddy? Well it's not much of a surprise when he's sat right there-'

'It's a delightful gift. In fact the best one l've ever received' He cuts in.

'He likes it Mummy. Open it Daddy'

He plays along with her antics. 'Oh what could this beautifully wrapped present be?' Peyton rolls her eyes as he releases the bow and gasps.

'It's a pretty girl just for you' Roewyn grins.

'Oh wow. Aren't I the luckiest?' Lucas ruffles her hair.

'You can't gift human's Roe! People can't be owned' Peyton intervenes.

'Ignore Mummy'

'Let's do it again but with paper this time-'

'Ok. Enough. The wrapping tutorial is over' Peyton cuts in.

'But Mummy'

'No buts. This Mummy is gonna wrap you up in a second if you're not careful!' Peyton threatens. 'Did you and Sawyer pick a film? What happened to staying downstairs for 10 minutes?'

'She says she's the biggest so she gets to decide'

'Did she now?'

'Uhuh. And I said that's not fair and she said tough and that I'm a cry baby' Her eyes are skittering over the bed to try and get a sneak peak at any unwrapped gifts but her parents know her game and are quick to get her up and away from the bed.

'How about we all pick one and then you can pick it out of a hat' Lucas diplomatically suggests. 'Fair?'

'But you'll pick something rubbish as your choice'

Peyton snorts at that.

'Roewyn Harper Scott!' Lucas exclaims.

'What it's true! Mummy always says you're rubbish at picking films-'

'Peyton Elizabeth Scott!' Lucas turns on her.

'You can't take me down with you Roe that's rude!' Peyton exclaims.

Roewyn grins. 'But you do say that Mummy'

Peyton's eyes avert to Lucas. 'Well it's true!'

•••

He loiters in the doorway. After making sure mince pies and brandy were set up in the living room for a certain visitor he'd said he'd see Roe get into bed so she could finish the last few bits of wrapping that had been bought to a halt earlier. He'd fully expected to find her knee deep in bows and paper. Not standing in her jeans, sans shirt with that ribbon tied around her, inspecting herself in the mirror.

Batman is sat on the counter top and after investigating the tap with his paw his attention turns to her.

Lucas presses his lips together in amusement as she mutters to the cat.

'I know, I know. I look utterly ridiculous baby. You don't need to tell me'

'I disagree'

She startles. Spins around and throws the hand towel at him. 'Jesus Christ!' He laughs. 'Not funny! You made me jump jackass'

He's already stalked towards her and has her backed up against the sink behind her before she can flee. 'St Nick already made a pit stop with my present it seems'

'Haha'

'What're you doing Peyton Scott?'

'Nothing' She whines.

'What happened to not objectifying you?'

'How long have you been stood there?'

'Long enough to see you looking utterly adorable and sexy'

'Ha ha'

'Ow' Batman swipes at his arm then. 'Christ what did I do to you?!'

'My lil protector' Peyton coos, as she lifts the fluffy cat up off the counter. 'Is he being horrible to you honey?'

'He swipes me and I'm the bad guy?'

She smiles at Lucas coyly. 'He's just making sure the big bad wolf doesn't hurt his Mumma'

'I'm gonna feed him to the wolves if he doesn't start being nice to me'

'Maybe you should be nice to him. I've not heard you say one nice thing to him once'

Lucas squints at her. Sighs. Averts his eyes to the cat. Hesitantly reaches his hand out to stroke him. Batman's paw is quick to swipe out, claws at the ready. Lucas's hand retracts.

Peyton laughs.

'It's not funny!'

'Kinda' She easily brings the cat closer to her face and kisses his head. He reciprocates by affectionately rubbing his head against her cheek.

'Christ he has no fucking shame'

She laughs again as she goes about setting her friend on the floor. 'Go on baby. Go curl up in your favourite spot before the big bad wolf gets ya'

Lucas is surprised when Batman seems to dutifully disappear back into the bedroom. He shakes his head in disbelief. 'No cat bloody follows orders'

'I'm as shocked as you are that he just left' She confesses.

'So you finished all the wrapping huh?' She suddenly becomes aware of her attire once more or lack there of and crosses her arms in front of herself.

'Mm. The stockings are ready to be hung by the chimney with care' She quips.

He smirks. Pulls her arms down from herself. 'You're a little hypocritical right now sweetheart, you know? After your little jibe about not gifting humans?'

'I can objectify myself if I so choose'

'Oh? This is for me then?'

'No. You weren't meant to see. I was just seeing what it looks like' She disagrees but he knows it's an outright lie.

'And what conclusion did you come to?'

'That I look ridiculous'

He already knows such. Had determined what she was thinking as he'd watched her inspecting herself and she'd confirmed his assumptions with her mutterings to Batman. 'Well' He turns her around to face the mirror again so her back is against his chest. 'You've never been more wrong about anything' He smirks. 'Look at yourself'

'Already have-'

'Look' He sternly exhales. 'Look at you' His hands are on her hips. Drift up to her waist. He watches her face in the mirror. She catches his eye.

'You're such a guy sometimes'

'What does that mean?' He smirks.

'It means anything slightly kinky and you're all over it'

He smiles. 'Ok. Maybe true. You in anything is an instant turn on to me. But anytime I look at you I see all of you' His finger tip circles her belly button. Drifts lower. 'I look at these' Fingers flicker over the few stretch marks on her hips. 'These ones that were here before our girls because you're a giraffe and these ones that I gave you'

'You gave me'

'I'm the one that got you pregnant no? Is there something you need to tell me?'

'Ha. Ha. Ha'

'I love them. They're like my own personal tattoo'

'Your tattoo? Ok Mr Ego. Surely they should remind you of your daughters'

'Of course they do'

'Do you just like to feel like you've branded me in someway Lucas Scott?'

'Mm. Maybe. You are mine' She rests her head back on his shoulder and bites her lip as she watches his hands navigate higher, toying with the ends of the ribbon. 'You really are the best gift I've ever been given' He waits a beat to be told off. She's too distracted by what his hands are doing. He smiles. Watches her stare follow his digits as they slowly trail further up her body. Her eyes lock with his in the reflection of the mirror as his fingers reach her chin. Thumb runs across her bottom lip. Pries her lips free from her teeth. Dips into her mouth before trailing back over her bottom lip.

She knows that look. Knows exactly what he's thinking and what he wants. She watches him. Anticipates his thumb repeating the same motion. He doesn't though. Smiles. Hand retreats from her mouth as he drops his head to kiss her shoulder instead.

Her brow arches as she watches him. '...What're you doing?'

'What do you mean? Kissing you silly girl'

'Why?'

'Why' He echoes. Bemusement dancing in his eyes as he looks at her in the mirror before them. 'You like it when I kiss you here no?' He brushes his knuckles over her shoulder. 'And I definitely like it' He grins.

'But it's not what you want right now'

'And what do I want?' He probes.

'Every time you touch my mouth like you were a minute ago it's like your code way of asking me to drop to my knees without verbally asking me'

'What?!' He laughs. 'No it's not'

'Er yes it is. You don't stop doing it until I've got the unsubtle hint' She disputes.

He squints at her in the mirror. 'I do that?'

Her eyes narrow. 'You know you do that'

'Sorry'

Her head shakes. She wasn't fishing for an apology. 'Why're you sorry? You think it's a chore for me?' She looks bemused.

He squints at her. The thought has never crossed his mind. She's initiated such plenty of times but her question has him wondering if she's not partial to it at all '...is it?'

'Really?' She's confused. 'Have I ever given you that impression?'

'No, no. You just asked me if I thought that so now I'm starting to think maybe it is!'

'It's not'

'Well I didn't know you felt like it was an unsubtle hint. I just-'

'I wasn't complaining. For someone that isn't at all shy about telling me what you want I don't think you've ever told me that out loud' She turns around to face him again.

'What can I say? I'm a gentlemen' He smirks.

'Such a gentlemen' She drawls. '...why'd you stop with your coded request?'

'Oh my you make me sound so manipulative!' He exclaims.

'Ok, now you're being a drama queen' She quips.

'Am I? It's not my intention to ever pressure you to-'

'You don't'

'Well it sounds like that's exactly what you feel-'

'That's not what I just said at all. I'm standing here with a fucking red ribbon tied around me for you. I'm just telling you you don't need to be bloody shy in telling me what you want'

'For me huh? I thought it wasn't for me' He teases as he twirls the end of the ribbon round his finger and smiles. '...well then' He cups her face. Kisses her. Thumb soon runs back over her bottom lip. He cranes his head back as he lets his thumb dip into her mouth. Locks eyes with her as she closes her lips around his digit. It's been forever since she's done what she's suggesting and the mere thought is enough to have him beside himself without her looking at him like she's looking at him right now through her lashes. She swirls her tongue around his thumb and his eyes darken. She adores that look. He pulls his thumb back against her teeth then to pry her mouth open. Drags the wet pad of his thumb around her mouth. Watches her skin glisten.

'Hate when you do that' She utters. He stops her from wiping at her mouth.

'Uh, uh' He smirks. 'Kneel'

'Presumptuous no?' He glares at her. 'Kidding' She laughs as she hooks her fingers into the belt loops on his jeans as she sinks to the ground. 'Although a please woulda been nic-' He presses his finger to her lips.

'Shh' Smiles as she gazes up at him. 'Undo my belt' Her brow arches. 'You told me not to be shy'

'I didn't realise that translated as be a demanding ass' She drawls as she unfastens his belt and goes about yanking at it not so gently.

'Jesus baby'

'What? You told me to do it' She smiles sweetly before unbuttoning his jeans.

'Wait' He husks. 'Look at me a sec'

Her eyes skitter back up to him. 'What?'

'Just stay looking at me a minute. I don't wanna ever forget what you look like right now. I mean I could just take a photo-'

'Do you think one day I'm just gonna say take as many indecent photos of me as you want?'

'I dunno why you're so apposed. They're just for me'

'Er hello! The fucking cloud is a thing and when that thing rains it fucking thunders'

He laughs. 'There's a sun up there too though and the pot of gold at the end of rainbow could contain many an indecent photo of you'

'Not happening'

His hand finds her cheek. 'You're so fucking beautiful'

'I'm already on my knees Luke' She drawls.

'Don't do that' He sternly reprimands.

'What?'

'Imply that I'm feeding you a line to get something from you'

'...that's not. I know that's not what...you just don't need to constantly tell me that'

'Why wouldn't I?! When it's the truth! Just because you have some crazy, obscure view of yourself-'

'Hint honey, don't call me crazy when I'm about to give you a blow job'

He squints at her. 'Well I want to protect you and you're quite often the one I need to protect you from' He reasons.

She arches her brow and smiles. 'I thought you always knew the angel of death lives inside me. Wow I just realised that's kinda more appropriate now than it ever was huh?'

'Not funny' He murmurs because he knows she's referring to a halloween costume she'd worn back in school and the losses they've suffered.

'Wasn't trying to be' She refocuses her attention and unzips his flies.

'Peyton-'

'I'm sorry ok? I'm oh so beautiful' She chants as she looks up at him again.

'You are'

'Thank you' she smiles and he's about to yank her up to standing and force her to look at herself in the mirror some more but she's suddenly freed him from his boxers and is touching him and he's quick to lose focus. Swallows. Watches her intently. Did not foresee his day ending like this but then again she keeps surprising him.

'Christ' His hand delves into her hair as her sweet lips touch him where they've not in forever. He can't even remember the last time she did this.

He bites his lip as he watches her. Thinks all his christmases have come at once because just a few months ago he'd never have thought he'd be here. Had teetered with the fear, despite his faith, that their relationship wasn't salvageable but now, now his faith is restored. He's certain that they're going to get through this. Is certain they're going to be stronger than ever.

She's always adored the faces he makes when she does this. How intensely he watches her. How his fingers tangle in her curls. Grips her head harder as he loses himself. How he pants her name. How his head eventually rolls back as he finds his release.

She licks her lips. Wipes her hand under her mouth. leaves a trail of butterfly kisses over his thigh before gazing up at him. Watches him with his head still tilted back. His breathing laboured. He eventually looks back down at her. Smiles. Hands grip her upper arms as he assists her in rising to her feet. He wastes no time in pushing her back into the wall behind her. She gasps.

'God I love your fucking mouth' He grunts.

'More than fucking me?'

'No. Not more than' He corrects. He yanks free the ribbon around her then. She yelps in surprise. 'Mmm. You really are the best gift I've ever been given baby' He kisses her. She whimpers. Her hands clutch his face. He eases back a little. 'I want you to touch yourself' He hums into her mouth.

'What?'

'You heard' He husks. She gives him a wane look then. 'What? I recall you declaring you could satisfy yourself just fine not that long ago' He smirks. Takes her right hand from his face and directs it to her jeans.

'I know why you like me doing this' She hums.

'Why?'

'Cause you want me to beg you and declare only you can do it'

'Always...' He watches her relent and unbutton her jeans. Watches her fingers ease into the black briefs she's wearing. He gulps. '...Are you wet?'

'What do you think?' She bites her lip.

His eyes dart back up to her face then. 'I think I want you to say it'

'And I think you could find out for yourself' She reaches for his hand with her free fingers.

He pins said hand back to the wall. 'Uh uh'

She huffs. '...I'm wet' She drawls.

'For me?'

'Mm'

'Stroke yourself' He nuzzles his nose against hers.

'I want you'

'Yeah?'

'Please. Touch me'

'Pretend it's me'

'But it's not'

He smiles. 'For someone that has an amazing imagination you're terrible at this'

She pouts. 'Maybe you're just too good and it's ruined me being able to get myself off'

He laughs at that. 'You do not think that'

'I think you underestimate how good you are at it' She mumbles.

He grins. 'Well I can't deny it's nice hearing that you think so'

'I know! That's why you like torturing me so you get your ego stroked' She accuses.

'I just like you needing me actually' He corrects.

'I do need you'

'Yeah?'

'Yes'

He presses his hand against the hand in her jeans then. She gasps at the abrupt added pressure. 'Just like this?'

'No' She breathes out. Kisses him. He smiles. Obliges. Dips his tongue into her mouth and kisses her hard.

'How?' He eases back after a moment. She's donning her vampire eyes, as he likes to call them. They look larger. Greener. He drowns in them. She hasn't answered and he knows she's getting close.

'You know'

'Do I?' He nuzzles his nose against hers. 'Do you need me to be your husband?'

'Mm' She gasps. He watches her for a moment. Waits until he knows she's on the brink before he jerks her hand out of her underwear.

'I was close!' She exclaims.

'I know' He smiles. 'I want to though'

'You're a dick'

'I know' He wastes no time in replacing her fingers with his own. She whimpers. 'Better?'

'Fuck' She kisses his top lip. 'Yes' Her hands lock around his neck. He smiles.

'God I love you like this'

'Mummy!'

Peyton's eyes widen. Her fingers go from clinging to him to suddenly pushing against him in a panic.

'No. Finish' Lucas husks. 'She's not gonna come in here yet-'

Their daughter hollers out loudly again but it sounds a little nearer and she knows they've got seconds before their youngest daughter does indeed find her way into the bedroom and once she's made it to the adjoining room it's only a matter of time before the bathroom is the next point of investigation. 'She is Luke!' She pants. 'Stop'

His hand reluctantly retracts from her. Her face crumples with frustration.

'I can go just wait-' Lucas begins.

'No you can't' Peyton exhales shakily because his arousal is prominent. 'It's ok' She's located the t-shirt she'd abandoned and has it over her head in record time. Her hands buttoning her jeans as she makes for her bedroom. Roewyn makes an entrance just as she makes it back into said room on unsteady legs.

'Mummy I was calling you for forever'

Peyton swallows. Is sure that's not the case at all. 'I was in the bathroom baby. You're meant to be asleep'

'I can't sleep! I'm too excited' The little girl complains. 'I think I heard jingle bells!'

Peyton puts her hand on her daughters back as she ushers her back into the hall. Can't help but smile wearily. 'Father Christmas won't come until you're fast asleep'

'I know. I tried everything though. Your cheeks are all red' She notes candidly as she looks up at her mother.

'They are?'

'Uhuh. You look like Rudolph'

'Thanks Roe'

'Or Rudolphina' She giggles as she's directed back into her bedroom.

'Into bed you' Peyton pulls back the duvet cover. Roewyn crawls in. 'Kitty cat' Peyton issues her with her favourite friend. 'Let's try this' Peyton switches on the starry nightlight that projects stars onto the ceiling. 'You see if you can count all the stars. And I'll come back and check on you in half an hour. Deal?'

Roewyn sighs. 'Ok. Is Sawyer asleep?'

'I'm gonna go tell her to turn her light off in a minute cause it's her bedtime too now'

'It's that late?'

'That late' Peyton confirms.

'Did Daddy go?'

'He's going in a minute'

'He didn't come when I was calling you'

'Maybe cause you were calling me'

'He's going cause he has to get up super early to get Aunt Lily?'

'Yup'

'I love Aunt Lily-pad'

'Me too'

'Daddy is gonna come back here after he's got Aunt Lily-pad from the airport?'

'Yes Roe. You already know all this' Peyton widens her eyes at her. 'No more talking. Look at the stars'

'Will Father Christmas be looking at the stars too?'

'Yep. Now shush' She drops a kiss on the little girl's head. 'I love you'

'Love you too Mummy Rudolphina'

'Very funny. Night night'

'You're gonna come check on me?'

'Yep. Stars' Peyton points up at the ceiling before exiting and pulling the door ajar behind her. Sighs because she highly doubts when she comes back that the seven year old is going to be in slumber. Doubts that she's even going to remain in her bed for the agreed amount of time.

Peyton arches her brow as she walks back into her bedroom. Presses her lips together in amusement because Lucas is knelt on the floor beside the bed attempting to befriend Batman who's curled on said bed. The cat keeps swiping his paw out every time the enemy's hand tries to touch him.

'Why are you on the floor?'

He startles. Rises to his feet. 'Because when I try and sit beside him he bloody does this' He demonstrates. Batman hisses at him.

'Oh wow. I've never seen him do that before'

'Of course you haven't the menace adores you' He quickly rises back up to his feet before the cat in question launches an attack. 'She ok?'

'Can't sleep' Peyton relays. 'And apparently I look like like Rudolphina'

Lucas laughs at that. 'That's really not so awful, I love you all rosy cheeked. She was practically asleep when I left her. I was hoping she'd go straight through'

'Me too. Wishful thinking. She's overexcited. I feel like it's gonna be a long night. Wish she was little enough that we could still trick her about the day so she'd go right to sleep'

'Since when has that kid ever gone right to sleep? Come here'

She stays put. Pouts. 'She's gonna keep getting up. Besides it's getting late. You should go so you can get to bed early seeing as you're getting up at the crack of dawn'

'You didn't finish' He walks over to her and draws her into his arms. Embraces her.

'You don't need to tell me that' She moans.

He kisses her head. 'We could drug her' He jokes.

'Tempting' His hands find her backside. Squeezes. 'Luke'

'What?'

'Don't when you can't finish what you start' She complains as she looks up at him.

'I can-'

'Mummy!'

He sighs.

'You were saying?' She drawls.

'God she's annoying'

'Uhuh'

'I don't wanna abandon you to deal with her'

'Not abandoning. Go otherwise you'll be exhausted tomorrow'

He sighs. 'Fine. I'm in physical pain right now though just so you know'

'You want me to feel sorry for you right now? Really?'

He chuckles. Looks at her sympathetically. 'You can get yourself off as soon as she's asleep' He tucks her hair behind her ear. Smirks at the thought.

'Well if someone hadn't stopped me I might have been able to'

'Mummy!'

'I'm coming!' Peyton hollers back this time. Widens her eyes at Lucas in warning because she knows her choice of words have just entertained him. He reigns in his teasing reply. 'Rudolphina is getting close to putting her on the naughty list'

He drops a kiss on her lips. 'Pretend to give her medicine. That worked at Mum's a while back. Gave her a spoonful of water and she was asleep twenty minutes later'

'Wow. You kept that little secret tactic to yourself'

'Mummy!'

'Cause I didn't want you whipping it out all the time! It's a magic trick for special occasions only. We can't be overusing it' He walks out into the hall. 'I'll tell Sawyer to turn her light off on the way downstairs kay?'

'Thanks'

'See you tomorrow'

'Yeah. Drive safe tomorrow'

He smiles. 'I will'

•••

'Oh you look so pretty baby' Peyton murmurs as Sawyer appears in her room in a new, green velvet dress. 'Do you like it?'

'Uhuh'

'You can say if you don't' Peyton looks at her suspiciously because her eldest daughter's taste seems to be evolving and there's been a few occasions where she's turned her nose up at suggestions from her mother. 'We can swap it-'

'I like it Mum' Sawyer twirls and smiles. 'Really'

'Ok. Good. Daddy is gonna think you look so grown up'

'Oh my god you look so much like your mum' Sawyer drawls.

Peyton laughs at her imitation. 'Well yeah you might get that line as well'

'Why does he always say it like it's a bad thing that I look like you?' Peyton smirks at that because she's remarked such to her husband too. 'He does Mum!' Sawyer misconstrues her mother's amusement.

'I know what you mean' She beckons Sawyer closer. 'But he doesn't mean it's bad. He thinks you're so beautiful baby. So beautiful that it's painful' She screws up her face, mocking the man in question. 'He just worries about you is all. You and your sister'

Sawyer frowns at that. 'Well that shouldn't be wrapped up in what I look like. It's stupid'

'Mm. Kinda. But we're your parents. We like to worry. We're quite good at it you know?' Sawyer smiles. 'Daddy just doesn't want you growing up too fast I think. And the older you get the more I think you remind him of me as a teenager'

'But you weren't bad Mum'

'No I was the best' Peyton grins.

'The way he writes about you in his book is...' Sawyer trails off. '...he doesn't write you like you're bad at all. You're the coolest, most perfect-'

'Not perfect honey. The way he writes about me is beautiful yes. I'm definitely not perfect but that's ok. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes and learn from them. You're not me. You're you. And you're definitely gonna make mistakes but me and Daddy are always gonna be here, loving you, and helping you find your way. Ok?'

'I know...thank you for all my presents Mum'

'You're more than welcome baby. What was your favourite?'

'I love my new skates'

'They weren't from me and Daddy' Sawyer gives her a look. Peyton laughs. 'Daddy chose them' She relents. Sawyer leans on her then, hands looping round her waist. 'Thank you for playing along for your little sister' Peyton murmurs.

'S'kay...Is Grandad gonna fight with Dad again today?'

'Fight?'

'He told Dad to leave last time he was here. I was inside but I heard'

'I promise no one is gonna argue honey. Rule of Christmas' Peyton promises. 'Have you seen your sister? She's awfully quiet'

'She fell asleep under the Christmas tree'

'What?' Peyton laughs.

'Shall I wake her?'

'No. I think we'll leave her put for as long as possible otherwise she might be a bit grouchy seeing as she didn't go to sleep till late and then woke at the crack of dawn'

'And woke us up!'

'Are you tired? Why don't you try and have a nap before everyone gets here too?'

'I'm ok. What're you gonna wear Mum?'

'I dunno'

'Can I pick?'

'Sure' Peyton smiles. 'Anything but that red thing I wore to Brooke's launch party'

'Why?' Sawyer pouts. 'I liked that'

'I know, thanks baby' Peyton laughs at her face. 'Not really Christmas vibes though-'

'It's red'

'That's my only veto, I promise. Anything else. Go on stylist. Go choose!'

•••

'Merry Christmas sweetheart'

'Merry Christmas Dad' Peyton smiles as his arms wrap around her.

'You look beautiful'

'Thanks. Get attacked by Roe?' She assumes because she's been listening to said child's shrill voice ever since family members started to arrive at the house an hour or so ago.

'She's excited huh?'

'Just a tad. I've been trying to keep her off the chocolate but I think we've surpassed hyper' She shares as she returns to flitting around the kitchen.

Larry laughs. 'What can you do. It is Christmas. How was your morning?'

'Good'

'Karen was just telling me that Lucas went to get Lily from the airport'

'Uhuh' She glances at the clock. 'I reckon they should be here in half hour or so. He didn't want Karen driving that far so soon after getting her cast off'

'No. Of course not. So he missed the girls Christmas morning?'

'Dad' Peyton looks at him through narrowed eyes.

'What?! I didn't say anything' He holds his hands up.

'You promised me you'd be nice today'

'Honey I was just about to say that must have been different for you. That's all. He's never not been here on Christmas morning with the girls'

'...it was different' She concedes. Leaves out that she'd in fact cried in the shower because of such.

'Do you need help?'

'Nope. This is a banned zone for all guests today' She declares. Has already declared such to Haley, Karen, and Brooke.

'It's such a lot of work though honey-'

'I'm fine' She bats her hand. 'But you do need to get out though' She smiles because he's distracting her and she doesn't want to mess any of this up. Needs this to go smoothly. Feels like she owes her family a calm, drama free day.

'Ok, ok. I know when I'm not wanted'

•••

'Hey' She smiles as he walks into the kitchen. She heard him and Lily be let in by his sister-in-law half an hour ago and has been listening to the children's excitable voices drift up the hall as they excitedly relay the going ons of their Christmas morning. Listened to him play along with his youngest daughter like he didn't already know the gifts father Christmas had delivered.

'Hi'

'Get her ok?'

'Uhuh all good. She's tired but she'll be alright after a little pick me up. She's currently being attacked by the kids'

'They're all so hyper. I'll grab her a drink. I wanna attack her too'

'I'll get her one in a sec. Everyone says you've banned them from helping'

'Hales is about to pop and I want your mum to just chill and B is meant to be entertaining the monsters'

'I can help you though'

'I think I've actually got it all under control. Shock horror I know' She wipes her hands on the apron she's donning before reaching behind her to untie it. 'I mean I've not got much faith on it tasting any good that's a different thing entirely'

He smiles. 'I'm sure it'll be great'

'Oh look at you trying to be Mr supportive. Don't you know I'll know if it tastes like shit just by looking at you' He laughs. 'I was just gonna bring in some drinks and sit down for a bit with everyone before we dish up'

'Ok' His eyes trail down her. 'Really?' He pouts.

'What?' She frowns, bemusement dancing in her eyes as she shoves the apron on the side and tries to figure out his expression.

'Ae you trying to torture me? You look so hot right now'

Her cheeks instantly feel hot. She moves past him because getting away from him seems to be the best plan of action considering their track record as of late and she's wary that they're not alone. That their family and children are all lurking nearby. He follows. He always follows.

'You know I never have appreciated it when you walk off whilst I'm trying to have a conversation' He quietly murmurs.

'You commenting on my appearance isn't a conversation'

'No' She's got a point. 'It's a complement that's only polite to return or at the very least respond to. I don't know how many times I have to explain the etiquette of complementing' She doesn't answer because answering will only provoke him. 'What're you doing?' She's suddenly got a bag in her hand and opens the door beneath the stairs. Pulls on a hanging light switch.

'Hales gave me some presents that Milly and Mouth got the girls. I think they've got more than enough waiting for them in the living room right now' She's hiding gifts for later when they can be better appreciated.

'Good shout' She's hung said bag on a hook and when she turns back around to escape her path is blocked. She widens her eyes impatiently. 'Roomy in here huh?'

'It's a descent storage space' She replies. 'Can I get out?'

'I've been looking for that' He ignores her and points to a hanging bike helmet.

She retrieves the item. 'Here you go. Bike until your hearts content buddy' She murmurs because she knows he's not going to suddenly start using his bike more thanks to his find.

'Not your buddy. Always thought you looked cute in these' He props the helmet on her head despite her efforts to evade his touch.

'Lucas' She whines.

'So cute' She's frowning. 'No?' He gently eases it back off her head and her hands smooth over her hair. '...Ah there's my tools' He points to the tool kit on a high up shelf.

'Can we maybe scour the house for things that you buy and never use another day perhaps?' She dryly answers.

He smiles at that. 'I do use them! You're the bloody hoarder I'll have you know. You really do look hot' She crosses her arms. Sighs. But her eyes are dancing with amusement. His hand blindly reaches for the door and she exhales his name as he pulls it shut behind him, shrouding them in darkness.

'Luke'

'What?'

'What're you doing?'

'I didn't get my hello yet'

'Yes you did'

'No' His hands find her hips and she tries to step back but the confined space doesn't allow it; her legs hit the storage draws of shoes behind her. 'I didn't'

She can just about make out his face and she swallows thickly because he's a breath away and then his mouth is on hers and his his tongue is in her mouth and it's only been a few days since they did this but a few days is suddenly too long and she melts. Kisses him right back. She's not sure what's wrong with them. Knows full well that they're acting similarly to how they did in the early stages of their relationship and she's not sure why because this isn't brand new. None of it's brand new and yet brand new it feels.

'That's the only hello I'm interested in' He murmurs when air becomes a necessity. His hand jerks her closer with every intention of resuming what they'd just been doing.

'That's enough. The girls-'

'Have had your attention all morning I'm sure. They're being looked after right now. I need your attention right now'

Her eyes are closed. 'You're not my child'

'No. I'm not. I'm your husband. I've been replaying last night in my head all morning. I want you'

'You're making this a habit'

'Wanting you' He murmurs into her mouth. 'Is not a habit. It's actually in my bones. Always has been. It'll never be enough-'

'Not wanting me' She cuts him off. 'Trapping me in confined spaces'

He chuckles. 'You're not locked in' Hums. 'Do you know how much I want you?'

She hesitates. '...You're always so giddy on days like this'

'Giddy?' His brow arches. He laughs again.

'Yes. Giddy. You're in your element. Dinners around a table with your kids and family'

'Mm' She's got a point. 'Is that oh so wrong? To enjoy all the people I love being under one roof?'

'...it's not wrong at all'

'Nope. It's not. I didn't get my Christmas morning though. This' He grasps her hand and presses her fingers to his straining pants. 'Has zero to do with what day it is. This is about you. Only you'

'Lucas-'

'Aren't you going to unwrap your Christmas present?' He firmly keeps her hand against him and tries to keep a straight face.

'You can't re-gift' She smartly responds.

It makes him laugh. 'You've never complained before' His other hand is unfastening his belt.

'Lucas!' She hisses. 'We're not doing that right now- our parents, our whole family are just down the hall. Not to mention your children and...' She trails off because her hand is being directed into his pants now and the feel of him hard beneath her fingers has her words getting lost. She swallows.

'I'm well aware so you're gonna need to be quiet aren't you?'

'If you think I'm about to give you a hand job-'

'Remember when you did in that cupboard when we were-'

'Oh my god will you stop'

'What?'

'I can't take a trip down memory lane right now' She's wrangled her hand free now. Is trying to concentrate. 'I need to get everyone a drink-'

'Relax, I'll sort drinks in a minute'

'A whole minute? Lucky me-'

'You can't let me go back out there like this'

'Maybe you should leave if you can't control yourself-'

'I can't. I can't control myself around you-'

'You've coped just fine in the past-'

'Have I? Maybe I've just been really good at disguising how out of control you make me feel'

She snorts. 'I'm oh so desirable right now because you're getting off on the fact that I'm in a fluster because I don't wanna be caught in a cupboard with you by our family!'

She's not wrong. He has zero intention of being caught, least of all by his family. That is not the turn on but he's enjoying her freaking out about it. 'I won't argue with that. Of course I'm getting off on that. You're adorable when you're all stressy-'

'And you've got this insecurity that I'm not yours-'

'Funny' His voice is suddenly deep. 'I'm not the least bit insecure about that sweetheart. You know what I think? I think you're trying to get me to tell you you're mine because you like hearing those words come out of my mouth don't you' He smirks as he nuzzles his nose against hers. 'I know you you know' She gasps because his hands have dipped lower to her ass and he abruptly lifts her up and the darkness is making her feel more disorientated, her hands flailing out to blindly grasp his shoulders. 'You know very well that saying that is only going to provoke me. It's ok for you to want this right now too you know?' It's not though. It's really not. She's meant to be playing hostess. She's painfully aware of how not ok this all is right this second because the last thing she wants is to be caught in this precarious position and have to deal with the onslaught of questions that will no doubt follow.

She yelps because he's pressing her back and trying to sit her atop the narrow storage unit behind her but there's shoes piled on top of it and one is digging into her. She pulls it out from beneath her. It's one of Roewyn's light up trainers and it flickers white in the sea of dark. 'You look like that demented doll right now'

'Chucky?'

'Yep'

He confiscates it and tosses it to the floor. 'You say the nicest things baby'

'Truth'

'You know what else is true is it's a bloody mess in here. How do you achieve that in such little time?'

'You're so bloody rude. It's dark in here and you've already deemed it a mess?'

'I got a glimpse of that shoe rack nightmare'

'The girls, not me'

'So bloody tell them off' His hand is beneath her dress now and wastes no time in shifting her underwear to the side. She shudders and suddenly her intention of fleeing is very much gone.

'You need to work on your dirty talk'

He smirks. 'Clearly it does it for you just fine' He drawls as he strokes her. 'God you wanting me is the best fucking thing in the world-'

'Maybe I just want to come'

Her voice is all mischief. He knows she's trying to wind him up. 'Oh yeah? But I'm the only one that can make you come. Didn't we figure that out last night?' He drawls back.

'No we figured out that you're a control freak' She argues.

'I missed you so much this morning. I hated not seeing them come downstairs. Or fucking you in the shower whilst they were preoccupied with their presents and-'

'Luke-'

'I missed all of it. Christmas isn't Christmas without you-'

'It is Christmas. You're here' She laughs because he's being somewhat dramatic. 'Don't act like you were shunned this morning. I fully expected you to be here-'

'And I woulda been. I wanted to be! More than anything. I wanted this year to be so different after the shit show last year. Don't be mad at me for getting Lil-'

'Do I seem mad to you?'

'No' He admits. Is kinda annoyed that she's not pissed because her being pissed would suggest she cares a whole lot about his absence.

'I'm not mad at you. Of course I'm not. I'm glad you went to get her. I want her here. Christmas isn't Christmas without Lily'

Her love for his baby sister makes his heart swell. He already knows she'd do anything for Lily Scott but it's still nice to hear and is perhaps reassurance that she isn't indifferent to him missing Christmas morning but understands it was for his family; their family. 'But you missed me...' He still wants to hear her admit it. 'Tell me' Even if its not a confession given freely.

She exhales heavily. '...The girls missed you...Roewyn's been asking when you're gonna get here since about 6am. Sawyer was so good with Roe and played along'

'Played along with what?' He chuckles because he knows full well that she's referring to the fact that they know their oldest daughter has been yo-yo-ing in believing for the last couple of years. 'She still not said anything to you?'

'She told me she knew the skates were from us'

'That's heart breaking'

'Mhmm'

'The bell still rings for me you know'

'You definitely didn't make it on the good list Lucas Scott'

'Neither did you Peyton Scott'

'I'm always good'

'Sure you are. You've still not answered my question you know'

'What question was that?'

'You know'

'...I missed you' She relents because it's the truth.

'Oh look at you getting in the spirit of Christmas' He grins jubilantly into her mouth. 'I'm here now baby'

'Shut up' She moans because his smugness has her wanting to take it back.

He laughs. 'I love this dress' He fiddles with the silky green fabric. 'But you already know that don't you?' she doesn't answer. 'Hmm? Did you put it on for me?'

'Sawyer wanted me to wear it and I like this dress idiot'

'Mm. You like how worked up I get when you're in it though'

'Why do you seem to think anything I put on my body is for you?'

'Because you're mine so even if it's for yourself it's for me' She can hear the smile in his voice. 'Luke' He whines his own name as he preempts her doing just that. 'Just winding you up' He hums with a little laugh.

'I'm gonna go now'

'No you're not' His hands tighten on her. 'Remember when you wore this on that weekend away we did for Brooke's Birthday a few years ago' She doesn't answer. Knows where this is going. 'We had fun that night. Is there a light in here?'

'Next to the door' He reaches behind him and fumbles for a moment before a little dim light appears above them.

'Well that was worth finding' He drawls sarcastically.

'Clearly the last owners didn't find much need to hang out in here' She drones back.

'Missing out weren't they?' Despite the light's ineffectiveness she can see him a little better. Can see the mischievous glint in his eye as he rubs the top of her leg. She closes her eyes.

'God I do hate you'

He smiles because he knows what her exhaled words actually mean. She's saying yes. 'No you don't. You love me'

'Just get on with it already'

'Impatient aren't we?'

'Yes. To get back to our family'

He exhales into her mouth. Has her hand back on him. Murmurs as her fingers compliantly wrap around him this time with little coaxing.

'Fuck' She bites her lip as she does what she's done countless times. 'Fuck I love it when you do that' He gasps. His words make her aware of her lip trapped between her teeth. Feels a heat rising in her cheeks. 'Enough. I wanna come inside you' He abruptly covers her fingers.

'So demanding aren't you' She murmurs because she thought he was more than keen for her fingers but he's already halting what she barely just started.

'Uhuh. Tell me you want me inside you'

'Shhh! I want you to be quiet!' She whispers. 'Christ' She reprimands because she's sure he's working as hard as possible to give her a heart attack. He grins. 'Not funny'

'Kinda'

'You really want your kids to hear you saying that shit?'

'Our kids are preoccupied elsewhere. No one can hear'

'You could whisper! I feel like the whole bloody world can hear you right now!'

'So dramatic' He whispers his reply into her ear. It tickles. He smirks.

'Just leave them on' She complains because he's trying to get her underwear down and given the confined space there's barely any room for the removal of said garment.

'The waistband is gonna dig into you'

'Really? Says the guy that all but ripped my underwear off not so long ago?' He smirks. 'And has me sat on our kids shoes in a cupboard under the stairs. Comfort isn't really an option right now' Her voice is snarky.

He shifts the bit of fabric to the side as best he can. 'If you'd just forgo underwear completely then it wouldn't be an issue would it'

She snorts. 'Says the man that all but dragged me home on one of the few occasions that I have done that'

She doesn't need to elaborate. He knows exactly what night she's referring to. 'You got on a table Peyton' He husks into her mouth.

She gasps because his touch is more assertive now and it's making it hard to continue her line of thought. 'You completely over...reacted'

'Anyone coulda seen anything'

'All anyone saw was you being a lunatic'

He smiles because her retelling of the night in question is not completely accurate. They'd been arguing about more than a couple of ridiculous things that day. It was during in a time before children, during the early days of living together. And if he remembers rightly they'd been bickering about music, then paint colours and then he'd foolishly told her he wasn't a fan of how short her dress was which had escalated into a full blown row and had culminated later that night in his demand that they leave the party they'd been at when she'd made it known to him that she'd forgone underwear. 'Mmm. Who's fault was that sweetheart?'

'Yours jackass'

'Mmm' He hums. 'Probably' He resolves.

'Did you just admit you were wrong?!'

'Well I probably should have kept my mouth shut about the dress'

'Oh? But you still think it was too short?'

'You really want to rehash a stupid row we had when we were barely twenty?'

'I think that was the first night we had angry sex'

'Mmm. It was hot no?' He smugly recalls.

'You'd never been like that with me before'

'And how was I?' She doesn't answer, is too preoccupied by his touch. He stops. Fingers retract. She pants. 'How was I?' He repeats.

'Rough. Domineering' She exhales.

'I've only ever fucked you like that. Did you know that?' She's about to reply but he's suddenly thrusting into her without warning. His mouth covers hers to swallow the anticipated noise of surprise she makes.

The small storage unit she's precariously sat on jars against the wall behind them as he moves. She feels compelled to beg him to be gentle because she's worried they're being too loud and the panic of being caught is making a knot form in her belly but it's outweighed by the waves of pleasure he's summoning.

She knows that's no lie. Knows she is the only one he's fucked like she's his. Like he owns her.

'Mummy!'

He freezes abruptly. 'Are you fucking kidding me right now' He hisses. His hand clumsily finds her mouth, smothering her somewhat. His ears pricked and if she weren't so concerned that their daughter was about to yank open the door and find them she'd have laughed at his terrified expression.

'Mummy where are you?!' Roewyn's call sounds further away this time. 'We're gonna open some presents!' She sings. 'I'm gonna eat all the chocolates!' Her voice threatens.

They hear the hum of his mother's voice then, coaxing her grand daughter back to the party.

He pants out a sigh of relief, his hand sliding from her mouth. 'Thank christ, bloody child. You ok?'

'I'm capable of keeping my mouth shut you know' She inhales exaggeratedly.

'You like answering them' He argues.

'I can assure you right now is a time when I fucking wouldn't!-'

'You did last night!'

'Not until I was out of the room! Let me down'

'What? No!' He pushes her further into the wall. 'I'm not finished-'

'Oh do go ahead and finish' She sarcastically retorts. 'Everyone is gonna notice I'm not there now and when they notice I'm gone they're gonna notice you're gone and-'

'Who the fuck cares' He presses his forehead to hers, simultaneously thrusting his hips against her.

She gasps. 'I c-care'

'I don't. Fuck you feel so good. We've not done it like this in forever' She closes her eyes. Hates that he keeps saying shit like that to her when they've been together lately because he's only highlighting how he's been denied this, denied her and it makes guilt swell in the back of her throat. 'Open your eyes. Don't do that'

Her lashes flutter. She's a little taken aback by his grunted words. 'Do what?'

'Hide from me when we're like this. I thought you were done doing that'

'I'm not hiding'

'Don't lie. Just tell me what you're thinking'

'I'm thinking I'm crazy and we shouldn't bloody be doing this right now!' She hisses. 'I'm letting you fuck me in a cupboard with our family down the hall!'

'You're not crazy' He nuzzles his nose against hers. 'You're letting your husband fuck you because he wants you and you want him' She exhales. 'Tell me to stop' He dares her, simultaneously hoisting her leg up higher. She emits a whimper with the movement. 'Shhh' He teases and kisses her parted lips, a smirk on his face. 'You can't tell me to stop because you're mine-'

'You've gotten real possessive, you know that?' She mutters.

'Yes' He agrees. 'And I think you like it' He pins her wrists to the wall. Her legs tighten around him as she takes on the task of holding her limbs around him.

She arches, strains against his tight hold. She does like it. Likes him yanking her into closets and pushing her up against walls because he simply can't wait a second longer. Likes being wanted. Or specifically wanted by him. She's always loved this all the ways with him. Gentle and slow. Fast and hard. But possessive is something she craves. Needs. Because god since he'd strayed from their marital bed she's doubted everything. She can't doubt his love or anything about their marriage when he's fucking her like this. She just can't.

'Luke' She exhales his name and he drowns in it because she's saying it in that needy way.

'Mmm' He sucks her top lip then and then his tongue is inside her mouth and she doesn't try and evade it. 'You want me to stop?' He asks, not because he doubts she wants this but because he wants to hear her breathy no.

'No. Don't stop' She utters. 'Just harder' She wants to tell him to hurry up but knows he'll drawl something in her ear about how you can't hurry perfection. Knows harder will get the same desired result. It does.

They both pant into each others mouthes. Their faces coated in a sheen of sweat. He gazes at her. 'If my potatoes are burnt you're taking the blame' She eventually hums.

'Noted. So worth it' He lets go of her legs and eases back a little as he readjusts his pants.

Her feet clumsily find the floor and she staggers as she takes a little step.

'Can you walk?'

'What's the point in asking that when you have zero concern?' She wonders as she adjusts her underwear.

He laughs. 'I'm sorry'

'Clearly. The smugness radiating off you right now is a clear indication of concern'

'I'm sorry. I am' His head bobs. 'I just love it when you look like this'

'Like what?'

'Like you've been thoroughly fucked'

'Don't say that' She whines. 'I do not! You can't tell that. Tell me you can't tell that' He laughs at the way her hands smooth over her dress and then her hair. 'Shush. I'm gonna bloody hit you in a minute'

'I'm sorry it's just your lipstick is perhaps the dead giveaway right now' He runs his thumb under her bottom lip. 'Do I have it on me?' She studies his mouth a little closer in the dim light. Sighs as she imitates what he's doing. 'Don't be all huffy. I'm teasing. Only I can tell. No one will have batted an eye lid'

'Sure they won't' She knows differently. Knows their disappearance will have definitely been noted, if not by everyone most certainly by Brooke Davis.

'Even if they have it's not like we don't have reason to be alone together. Maybe we're discussing the kids'

'I think you're done now' She ignores him and says of his fingers that are still supposedly fixing her smudged lips.

'You got it everywhere' He disputes.

'If it's everywhere it's your bloody fault'

'Is that so?' He's leaning back into kiss her and she dodges him.

'Don't start that again, we're going' She pushes hard against his chest. He relents; knows she means business now. 'Wait a moment before you follow me' He rolls his eyes. 'Don't laugh at me' She whines again.

'Would I dare? I'll count to twenty before I follow. Girl Scout honour'

•••

It's nearing 2am. Haley and Nathan had left by 10pm due to a combination of Haley being exhausted and Lydia being overtired. The rest of the family and Brooke had only left an hour ago at which point Sawyer had willingly slipped off to bed. Lucas had insisted on staying behind to help with putting their youngest daughter to bed because she'd been bouncing off the walls with all the excitement for the most part of the day, e numbers and being up way past her bedtime. Something that was a first. They'd expected her to fall asleep on the sofa like every other year and easily manoeuvre her to her bed but she'd surprised them all with how long she kept going for. Consequently they'd spent the last half hour trying to calm her down and get her into bed. When she did eventually succumb to the fact it was bed time she'd gone out like a light.

Something that Peyton had swiftly done herself as soon as they'd returned downstairs.

He smiles as he watches her. He'd made a start on taking some glasses out to the kitchen and had only been gone for all of a minute and yet she seemed to have dosed off on the sofa in his absence.

She's curled up in a ball; a common occurrence. It's something he's always teased her for because she always looks somewhat childlike in slumber.

He squats down, strokes her hair back from her face.

She blinks. 'I'm awake'

He laughs quietly. 'No, you're really not. Come on let's get you into bed sleepy head' His hands slide beneath her as she rubs her eyes.

'No I'm tidying up, I don't wanna come down to a mess in the morning-'

'I can do it-'

'I can'

'Not arguing'

'I can walk' She exclaims as he lifts her up. His hands tighten around her as she wriggles.

'I know but you don't need to. Quit moving before I drop you'

She rolls her eyes. 'You're ridiculous-'

'Uhuh'

'You're gonna do your back in'

'Can you just be quiet' He's out in the hall and ascends the stairs and she gives up fighting him.

'I think you have issues with your masculinity' She ponders sleepily as he reaches the upstairs hallway.

'Oh? Is that so?' He squints down at her, amusement dancing in his eyes because he's not surprised by her sudden provoking mumble. She always did become more argumentative when tired.

'Uhuh. You like showing how macho you are'

He smiles. 'I just want to take care of you but it's nice to know you think I'm oh so macho-'

'I don't need taking care of'

'I'm well aware' He pushes open her bedroom door with his back and sets her down on the bed a moment later. 'Maybe I just wanted an excuse to come up here' He murmurs.

She looks at him through narrowed eyes because she can believe that. 'If you think you're getting lucky again you're mistaken'

'Oh you had such a terrible time earlier didn't you?' He drawls.

'So not the point. I know B. She totally knew'

'Did she say something?'

'No. Which is bloody weird in itself. It's not like her to pass on giving me the Spanish inquisition'

He thinks her observation isn't altogether wrong. Is pretty certain that if anyone had made any accurate assumptions about their absence it would have been the eagle eyed brunette in question. 'I highly doubt anyone assumed we'd do such a thing with them here baby. But who cares if anyone assumed anything. It's none of their bloody business. You're my wife-'

'What, so that means you get to display some weird kind of public claim over me?' Her accusation isn't filled with any animosity more so curiosity.

'Public claim?' He repeats with a laugh. 'Nobody saw and so not what I'm saying'

'Isn't it? I know you wouldn't have given a shit if anyone had walked in on us which is bloody weird'

'I'm not an exhibitionist darling. Of course I wouldn't choose to be found by anyone, least of all our family in that position. But at the same time-'

'It forces me to do what you want right? If they all think we're sleeping together then it puts pressure on me to conform to what you want'

'Are we having an argument?' He arches his brow because she's speaking in a sleepy, calm manner but her words are suggesting she's anything but pleased with him and it's confusing because today has been a good day. A more than good day. A pretty perfect day.

'No. I'm just observing' She shrugs.

'I wasn't trying to get us caught. You think I'd want out kids to see that? I also wanted today to be nothing but amazing for the girls, and you, and me, and our family because I'm well aware that our family has been dragged down with all our shit over the last few years. You really think I'd intentionally go out of my way to make their Christmas day dramatic?'

'...no' She answers after a beat. '...no' She shakes her head. 'Sorry. I dunno what I was just going on about I just...'

'My only motive for earlier was just that I wanted you' He simply murmurs. 'And if I'm being completely honest, I wanted to prove that you missed me. Not to you so much as to myself. Cause you were so calm when I told you I was gonna pick up Lil and I, I dunno. I was grateful but also...' He shrugs.

'...I did miss you'

'Yeah?' He crawls onto the bed and spoons her then.

'Mm' Her hand settles on the hand at her waist. 'I cried in the shower' His brow raises. He smiles wide. She looks back at him and rolls her eyes. 'You don't have to look so damn happy about it'

'I'm not happy that you were sad. I'm happy that you missed me. And as for a public claim. I claimed you a good old while ago Peyton Scott' She rolls her eyes again. 'You look like your daughter right now'

'I came first'

'True...I haven't given you your gift yet'

'You fixed the Comet'

'That wasn't your gift' He drawls in her ear. 'Bedside table'

Her eyes skitter to said location to see a scroll of paper sat on the table. Exhales his name in complaint. '...Luke'

'I know, I know, highly inappropriate to be getting my wife a Christmas present' A wane look forms on her face. 'Go on' She huffs but relents, reaching for the mysterious gift.

'When have you been up here sneaking around?'

'Maybe the big man delivered it whilst you were asleep'

'Creepy'

'Right?' The roll of paper has a red ribbon tied around the centre. 'Good bow huh? I spent ages tying that freaking thing'

'It's a good bow' She concedes as she sits up properly. He smiles proudly.

'I know you hate a droopy bow'

'I do' Her eyes are on the scroll.

'Well go on then'

She pulls the tail and releases the ribbon letting the papers break free and uncurl. There's a ring box in the middle but that's quickly forgotten because she knows what these papers are in all of a second. Her eyes dart back up to him.

'I signed them' She's never been more confused because these papers and his announcement seems to contradict everything he's been saying to her for her months and she feels panic brewing in her chest.

'What?' There's a lump in the back of her throat and he's sort of relieved by the look on her face because despite feeling like they're in a better place in their relationship, surrendering this document to her still comes with anxiety.

'Not because I want to divorce you baby' He shakes his head. 'It's the last fucking thing I want. I've made that more than apparent to you and that still remains the same. Will always be the same. But I want you to choose not to divorce me back. I, I think it's important that you have the choice and I, I've been scared to give it to you but I, I'm hoping you... I betrayed you so I never had the right to call the shots but see I was scared I was gonna lose you for good. Letting you have these still scares the fuck out of me honestly' He admits. 'Even though I like to think I know you well enough to know that we're in a better and place and you're not gonna...' He swallows. Shakes his head, can't allow doubt to take over or he'll snatch the papers back from her in all of a heartbeat. 'I do need you to know that if, if you were to file those...It, it won't change anything. I, I'd never give up on us finding our way back to us. Never. I'd never walk away. I'm never gonna not want you and you have my heart. Always' She can't keep the tears that have long glazed over her eyes at bay, she loses the battle. They overflow. His thumb wipes them away. 'Don't cry sweetheart' His voice is a whisper now. He watches her carefully as he tries to establish what she's thinking. She remains silent. He eventually reaches for the box that's been forgotten. 'Here open this one' He presents her with the small box.

She takes a shuddering breath and his name escapes her lips. 'Luke-'

'Just say thank you and don't be ungrateful' He cuts off what he knows is going to be a protest to the unopened gift. 'You want me to open it for you?' He's persistent. Her eyes are on the box as he carefully pulls the lid off.

Her face contorts as a ring comes into view, her hands clumsily covering it in all of a heartbeat. She shakes her head. 'Please stop'

Her reaction is no great surprise. 'Ok you don't have to look at it now if you don't want, I'll just leave it here' He shifts the ring box out from beneath her shielding hands and leaves it propped on the bedding beside her.

Her eyes are closed. 'How much was that? You're not meant to be spending money. How did you pay for that?'

'It's rude to ask how much something costs' She opens her eyes to glare at him then. 'But in this case I'll tell you that the ring is your Mum's so no money spent, well I did get it engraved'

'What?' She's interested now and her hands spring out to inspect the item in question more closely.

'Your Dad said you might not remember it because your Mum didn't wear it much cause it was her Mum's and she was paranoid about losing it'

'Since when are you and Dad a team?'

'I might have wore him down a bit when I was fixing the Comet but definitely don't think he'd pick me for his team' He leaves out the words they'd exchanged.

'But gives you things to give me that you both know I can't say no to' She complains as she studies the family heir loom. She's not allowing herself to read whatever he's had inscribed on the inside. Can't. Not yet.

'I know. Not fair' He agrees. 'I wanted to get you something though and I knew you'd be pissed if I spent a lot of money' He murmurs. '...I know you're not ready to wear your wedding rings on your finger and I understand and this isn't, I'm not, I'm not trying to pressure you or hurry you, this isn't about trying to replace your wedding ring or anything like that... just read the inside will you' She hesitates but twists the ring to see the engraving. Finley Keith Scott. A sob passes her lips and he's quick to swaddle her in his arms. 'Fuck I, I didn't want you to cry'

'Of c-course I'm b-bloody crying y-you c-can't give me d-divorce papers. A r-ring th-that's my Mum's and then...and not ex-expect me to c-cry'

'Is it bad?'

'...it's not b-bad' She mumbles.

'I just wanted you to have something that symbolises him and it's kinda nice that it also resembles your Mum cause you can think of them being together. I mean, it's a nice thought even if you don't believe any of that stuff' She presses her lips together.

'...it's beautiful...' She slides the ring onto her middle finger. Blinks.

'You like it?'

'...yes...thank you'

He strokes her cheek. 'I love you'

Her stare shifts away from the ring to look back up at him then. '...I, I got you something too...' His brow shoots upward because he didn't expect that in the slightest. 'Don't look so surprised'

'I kinda am. I mean I don't deserve anything'

His hand drops from her face as she twists back toward the bedside table and opens the draw. Despite his declaration he's peering into the depths of said draw. She produces a small, brown box with one of her expertly tied bows. Hands it to him.

'Beautiful bow baby'

'Yeah, yeah. I'm banning bows next year just to shut you up'

'Ha. Ha. I don't think miss Elf is capable of forgoing ribbons' He's rid the box of said ribbon and pulls the lid off. Reveals a watch. He opens and closes his mouth. 'Is this Keith's?'

'Mm'

'It broke though'

'I had it fixed. Turn it over'

Finley Keith Scott

'I was gonna get you a new one but then I thought it would mean more and you'd prefer this one'

'Yes'

'You, you thought I, I wanted to forget him. I did want that for a bit, just so I didn't have to feel...But I can't. I know we can't. He was ours. And he was gonna be a mixture of Roe and Sawyer. I know he was. He was gonna be tough and sensitive and outright difficult. And you were going to be wonderful with him'

He blinks. 'Gosh we are twins huh?' He laughs despite his watery gaze because their respective gifts have the same exact sentiment.

'Maybe'

'I love it. Thank you' His voice is choked. 'Really sweetheart. I like, this means...a lot'

She lays back down. Blinks. He leans over her and kisses her. '...I'm so tired' She mumbles.

He smiles. 'I'm not surprised. You've been on your feet all day' He lays down beside her and she pulls her hand back around her.

'They had a good day right?'

'The girls?'

'Mm'

'The best. Not just them. Everyone'

'Mm'

'Did you?'

'Mm' He knows by her "mm's" that she's losing her fight against sleep. 'You?' She mutters.

'I had the best day' He confirms and squeezes her tighter. 'The best baby'